By Nkechi Eze
In a fervent appeal for enhanced fiscal governance, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Victor Muruako Esq., has urged Nigerian states with existing fiscal responsibility laws to promptly implement them.
Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, the Head, Strategic Communications in a signed statement disclosed that Muruako while speaking at the launch of the Subnational Audit Efficiency Index 2924 hosted by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative at the Shahu Musa Yar’Adua Center in Abuja, emphasized that bolstering the local government system and training local operators are crucial to improving public service delivery and accountability. He left the audience pondering whether local governments are truly performing as expected.
At the event, a dynamic panel discussion—moderated by Mr. Odeh Friday, Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria—explored innovative strategies under the theme: Leveraging Technology Tools for Improved Public Audit Practices and Service Delivery at the Subnational Level.
Mr. Sunday Adegoke, Chairman of the Body of Federal & State Auditors-General and Ondo State Auditor-General, highlighted the post-SFTAS decline in funding for audit offices. He called for comprehensive capacity building, better resource allocation, and the smart integration of social media to foster real-time citizen engagement while maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols.
Mrs. Veronica Okonji’s perspective, presented by Mr. Francis Agbayi, shed light on Delta State’s inaugural performance audit. She attributed the breakthrough to the effective training provided by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative, illustrating how strategic capacity building can spark institutional reforms.
Hon. Eric Akpan, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in Akwa Ibom State, underscored the committee’s pivotal role in audit implementation. He urged for stronger legislative backing, increased executive engagement, and the development of legal frameworks to safeguard the autonomy and effectiveness of audit offices.
Mrs. Ugochi Freeman, Executive Director of Creative Minds Centre for Youth and Community Development, stressed the importance of civil society organizations in empowering citizens with data and civic-tech tools to monitor government spending and drive accountability.
Other distinguished attendees included The Auditor General of the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, whose participation further underscored the government’s commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability. His presence lent additional weight to the calls for reforms and the revitalization of audit processes across Nigeria.
The event concluded with the announcement of state awards for conducting performance audits and publishing citizens’ accountability reports. The states recognized under this initiative include Adamawa, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Oyo, Katsina, Venue, Bauchi, Ondo, and Edo.
The session encapsulated a multi-stakeholder commitment to leverage technology, enhanced training, and legislative support in order to drive meaningful reforms in public audit practices and ensure transparent governance at all levels.
